Stop Your Dog From Chewing Up Your House

Understand Why Dogs Chew to Help Prevent it

 

A chewing dog is often one of the most unsettling dogs that dog owners deal with due to its destructive consequences. It can usually cost us our most valued items such as furniture, shoes, or whatever else satisfies the dog’s needs. But dog chewing is easily correctable.

Dogs chew for many reasons, including frustration, teething, anxiety, boredom, and even obsessive indulgence.

At its worst, dogs intent on chewing can divert their attention from the tables, shoes, purses and turn the chewing into self-destructive behavior, which can cause bleeding, infection, and a plethora of other issues once it begins. Areas of the body dogs most found to chew are legs and tail. They become irritated and itchy, leading to more chewing and scratching. Self chewing is most often a vicious circle leading to an unhappy pet and a disappointed and frustrated owner.

Do not dismiss excessive dog chewing as normal. It would help if you handled it as soon as you recognized that there was a problem.

Puppy Chewing

When it comes to puppies, they chew when they are teething, often for the first 4-6 months. Do not punish this behavior. Instead, control what the puppy chews and when.

If you are lucky enough to bring a puppy into your life, create structure from when they arrive. A good example is what rooms he can go in and what rooms he can’t. Once you have created this structure, you are well on your way to correcting your chewing puppies issue.

Ensure your pup or adult dog has adequate toys. Constructive toys they engage with will help to prevent them from destroying undesired objects around the house. When you’re at the pet store and want to select great toys for your dog but the isle is full of hundreds to choose from, do not buy toys that mimic items you are trying to prevent them from chewing on. They will not take the time or understand how to determine the difference between the two.

Focus on bones and toys that serve the purpose of being a chew toy. Make sure the bones will not splinter or break, which can potentially cause a choking hazard to the pet.

It would be best to teach them the boundaries; however, they also have physical and mental needs. If you understand and satisfy these needs, life gets much better for you both. The issues of the chewing dog will diminish.

What You Can Do To Stop The Chewing (of your belongings)

Get a toy box and put it in a central area of your home. When you catch your dog chewing on something not appropriate, then go over to the toy box and start playing with the dog’s toys.  By making the toys become “alive,” the dog will become more excited to interact with his toys.  

I prefer using KONG toys, Nylabones, and Hard Toys instead of stuffed animals and destructive toys. Take time to stuff the KONG and hide it in the toy box for your dog to find. With this method, the dog will check his toy box daily.